Poland after latest EU enlargement

As of the New Year the European Union has been joined by two countries - Bulgaria and Romania. What does this mean for Poland and how will this affect its position among the enlarged group of 27 members?

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria greeted 2007 and the country's EU membership with loud joy. Bucharest, and entire Romania, shared an equally festive atmosphere. Two new EU members having 10 and 14 mandates, respectively, in important decisions concerning the Union's present and future. A combination of their votes, almost equal to that of Spain or Poland, could create a meaningful force. Poland has been a staunch supporter of both countries in their accession process. This has been clearly confirmed by Romanian foreign minister Mihai-Razvan Ungureanu during his visit to Warsaw just a few weeks ago.

' I have to point out how important Poland's support was in the years prior to Romania's accession into the EU. Poland was among the countries, which were behind us in all situations, no matter whether we were going through dire straits or celebrating. Loyal friends are quite rare in this part of Europe. The common action of two sizeable countries like Poland and Romania is very important.’

Eva Kraftcik from the DPA Warsaw office says Poland must be prepared to share some of the attention newcomers, especially the less affluent ones, enjoy in the EU.

’'Poland will no longer be the poorest country of the Union with Romania probably succeeding with the poorest regions and no longer the 7 of Polish voivodships. The other impact will be that the poorest country has the right to most solidarity, which will also mean more money flowing into Romania and Bulgaria. Maybe money Poland is hoping for as well.'

Coinciding with the Bulgarian and Romanian accession is Germany's first day in the EU chair. During its presidency, Germany will be compiling a report on the Union's neighborhood policy. Polish deputy foreign minister Pawel Kowal points to the numerous similarities outlined by Germany and Poland in viewing its tenets.

' Poland would like to see proportionally higher outlays on cooperation with Eastern countries than so far. We are for the neighborhood policy to reflect actions plans targeted at concrete countries, which can be evaluated after a given period. Only then can we analyze the degree to which these countries have come closer to the Union. Another important point are institutions which are to assist in the proper distribution of the funds. In this sense, the understanding of neighborhood policy by Poland and Germany is very close.'

Will Poland benefit directly from the German EU presidency? After all, they are not only Union partners, but also neighbors. Doctor Slawomir Debski from the Polish Institute of International Affairs says preferential treatment is out of the question, but hopes Germany shall tackle the Polish conflict with Russia over the meat import ban as an issue of principle.

'We wish German diplomacy luck and ability in reaching compromise within the Union itself, as well as in relations between the EU and Russia. All member countries, including Poland, are interested in forging an agreement which will reflect the importance of both partners in global politics.'

Poland is sure to look at the present novelties in the EU as an opportunity to redefine and strengthen its role in the region. The potential of an alliance of interests with Bulgaria and Romania, to mention but energy security, together with a warming up of relations with Germany might prove a strong incentive for active participation, says Eva Kraftcik of DPA.

'Poland has always seen itself as a regional leader in Central Europe and could expand and strengthen this role. On the other hand, so far, there has been much talk to put that leadership into action. Maybe it will raise a new attention. Otherwise, Bulgaria and Romania might unite and put a strong point together without Poland, which cannot be to Polish interests, of course.'

This cooperation will undoubtedly be brought to a good start with declarations of no restrictions on the free flow of the labor force from newcomers Bulgaria and Romania.
Source:By Slawek Szefs, polskieradio.pl